Hancock Shaker Village

Hancock Shaker Village

3

  Shaker belief, to me, was very strict. It was a celibate community which made me wonder how it would last without any offspring. Then I realized all they really could do was recruit people into the their way of life.  Men and women were not allowed to touch, sit on the same side of the table, walk down the same side of the hallway. They lived on opposite sides of the house, sat on opposite sides of the table. There was a Men's kitchen, a Women's kitchen. They attended church daily, men on one side, women on the other, some services lasting over eighteen hours.
    "The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, known as the Shakers, is a religious sect. Founded upon the teachings of Ann Lee, Shakers today are mostly known for their cultural contributions (especially their style of music and furniture), and their model of equality of the sexes, which they institutionalized in their society in the 1780s. A Shaker village was divided into groups or families." 1

Friend, Nikki checking out the canned vegetables, fruits and spices in one of the kitchens. >

Jars, bowls and other accessories ready for baking, canning foods for the winter.








    I would definitely have to say my favorite building out of the whole area was the Circular barn. It was a great way to create the space you needed for the cows and not create a long building that took up a lot of extra square footage. (see top picture)

 Brooms were made on the premise and by hand.

Friend, Nikki giving us a smile as she checks out the different brooms and dusters made from straw.

'The Privy' or community bathroom. Just like an outhouse, but with multiple seats and not very spacious. Only some got to use the toilet, 'chamber pots' within the houses for privacy and convenience.

 I found this a fascinating place to learn about their culture, religion, music, cooking, and the great craft work they created. I found some fascinating things in the gift shop, such as the oval boxes of all sizes and shades of color the volunteers make on site. However in my opinion, the shop is rather on the expensive side, but I do realize certain things like the oval boxes are handmade.

They hold lots of event through the summer from quilting to poultry to beekeeping and a workshop on how to make those beautiful oval boxes. HSV also offers great school programs. They teach you all about the ways of the classroom in the Shaker time, and way of life in the village. Available from Pre-K to High school.

Starting November 23rd, they are holding their Annual Holiday Sale. Every weekend until December 8th. 10am - 5pm. If you can make it out, I believe this historic place is something to support.

Hancock Shaker Village is open from early April to October every year. 2
Adults – $18
Youth ages 13-17 – $8
Children 12 and under - FREE 
If you are a member of the NARM, it's free for 2 adults and children up to 18 years of age.

Interactive map - http://hancockshakervillage.org/interactive-map/

1 http://hancockshakervillage.org/
2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakers
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hancock_Shaker_Village